Missed Votes Don't Change Florida Democrats' Election of Allsion Tant

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant's victory in the party chairman election ended up being closer than first announced after missing votes were discovered.

The party initially announced Saturday that Tant beat Alan Clendenin 587 to 448. But a ballot from Miami-Dade County wasn't counted when it got stuck to another ballot. The final result ended up being 587 to 507. The ballots are weighted based on the size of the county the voter represents.

After discovering the ballot, party officials twice recounted the vote.

In an odd coincidence, Tant is married to lawyer Barry Richard, who was hired by George W. Bush's campaign to help secure his 537-vote victory during the 2000 presidential recount.

Associated Press

Lake Mary, FL- Long-time party fundraiser Allison Tant is the new Florida Democratic Party chairman.

Tant, of Tallahassee, was elected Saturday and replaces former Sen. Rod Smith.

Tant beat Alan Clendenin, 587 to 448. In a show of unity, Clendenin was then elected vice chairman and the pair stood grasping hands over their heads.

Tant immediately set her target on Republican Gov. Rick Scott, saying she wants to turn the party into a powerhouse.

Democrats are hoping their successes last November weren't just based on the strength of President Barack Obama's campaign machine.

In addition to Obama's Florida victory, Democrats elected four new congressmen and Sen. Bill Nelson easily won re-election against Republican Rep. Connie Mack. Democrats also made gains in the Legislature, defeating enough Republican incumbents to take away the GOP's supermajority.

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